Available at:
Voice Directory - Help & FAQs
I'm having trouble getting the app to recognize my answers correctly. What should I do?
Why are there only 5 results? What if the business I'm looking for is not in the top 5?
In addition to business and location, are there other search criteria?
What is up with the typing sounds after I answer each question?
I want minimal distraction, can I turn off the pop-ups?
Can I cancel out of the voice prompts using the back key?
The search button is grayed out and I can't use the app. What am I missing?
Can I use the app in a tablet?
Can I search for businesses anywhere in the world?
What can I look for in future releases?
What is Voice Directory?
Voice Directory is a handsfree app for Android phones that uses voice to search Yellow Pages' business listings in the US and call the phone number directly. It can be a helpful tool in avoiding distractions while driving if you absolutely have to look up a number to call for directions or to find out if a business is open. We have all been in those situations and this app is intended to be helpful at that time.
WARNING: ALWAYS FOLLOW THE RULES OF THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING, ESPECIALLY LAWS THAT BAN HANDHELD OR HANDS-FREE PHONE USE.
You can watch a demo video here:
This app is not affiliated with Yellow Pages or NHTSA.
More Information:
What is Voice Directory Lite?
Voice Directory Lite is a handsfree app for Parrot Asteroid devices that uses voice to search Yellow Pages' business listings in the US and call the phone number directly. The Lite version has a 20 prompt limit per day. It uses Nuance's Dragon Mobile SDK for speech recognition. Their free Silver Service Level plan allows only 20 speech recognition transactions per day. A full version for multiple languages and countries is coming soon!
Voice Directory Lite also works in Volvo's Sensus Connected Touch systems powered by Parrot Asteroid.
How do I use the app?
Before you start, check for the following:
- Turn your phone's media volume up like you would when playing a video or music.
- Make sure the phone is connected to the Internet either via wi-fi or cellular network.
- Turn on GPS or network locator in your device settings to search near you.
Press the Search button and follow the prompts. Say 'cancel' to exit at any prompt. You will need the location and the business name/type. The app will confirm the location and business before searching the Yellow Pages. You can say no at the confirmation prompt if it didn't recognize you correctly and redo your answer.
Once the search is complete the app will tell you the number of results found. The current version supports up to 5 results. You can decide which phone number to call by answering 'yes' to the prompt, or choose to hear all the results by answering 'no' to each prompt. Once it reaches the last result, the app will then restart from the first result again.
During the result prompts you can say 'cancel' and end the search. If you answer 'yes' to a result prompt, the app will launch the dialer and dial the phone number directly. You can hang up at that point as well.
Not all functions will be available when connected to Pioneer AppRadio while driving.
I'm having trouble getting the app to recognize my answers correctly. What should I do?
In some devices the speech recognizer takes an additional second to start listening for speech input. It is hard to tell especially when there is no audible prompt after the question. So, wait for 1 to 2 seconds before answering the question if you notice the phone waiting for your input after you answer the question.
Additionally, reducing any background noise will help improve speech recognition. Roll up your windows if you are driving.
Why are there only 5 results? What if the business I'm looking for is not in the top 5?
We want to keep the voice interface simple and easy to use. Cycling through a list of more than 5 results could become too long. In future versions look for more than 5 results along with options to go backwards and skip forward in the results list. If what you are looking for is not in the top 5 then try using a different location or a neighborhood within the city that is closer to the business.
In addition to business and location, are there other search criteria?
In addition to the business name/type and its location, we use a 30 mile search radius and sort results by distance from the location. In future versions look for options to change the search radius and sort order.
What is up with the typing sounds after I answer each question?
We want to give you an audible feedback indicating that we recognized your answer, and we are not waiting for you and we are processing your answer. Once the processing is complete the typing sounds will stop and you will hear the next prompt.
I want minimal distraction, can I turn off the pop-ups?
Yes, you can turn off the pop-ups in the settings menu. We recommend that you to turn it off to avoid distractions while driving.
Can I cancel out of the voice prompts using the back key?
Yes, you can enable the back key to cancel voice prompts in the settings menu. We recommend that you to disable the back key and use voice to cancel the prompts.
The search button is grayed out and I can't use the app. What am I missing?
This app needs Text to Speech and Speech Recognizer functions to work in your phone. It also requires US-English language support. If any of these are missing in your phone you will not be able to use the app.
Can I use the app in a tablet?
Yes, you can use the app in a tablet. In most tablets you won't have a phone dialer. If you have apps that can make a phone call over wi-fi, you can use them to complete the call.
Can I search for businesses anywhere in the world?
No, the app can only search US business listings. You won't be able to search for businesses in Canada either. Look for international versions in the future.
What can I look for in future releases?
There's plenty more to come. Here's a quick look:
- Options to change search radius and sort order.
- Handle more than 5 results.
- Skip forward and backward in the results list.
- International versions -- search for businesses in other countries.
How do I contact support?
Please send an email to appestry@gmail.com with your questions and feedback. All emails will be typically responded within 24 hours.